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Make the Most of your Pledge

Volunteering doesn’t just make a difference to the world around you – it can make a difference in your world too! These tips will hopefully help you have the best volunteering experience possible.

Before You Begin


Who Am I?

We don’t want to get too deep with this one, but being specific about your current situation can help determine what placement would be best for you.

  • Are you unemployed or employed or studying?

  • What qualifications do you have?

  • Do you want to go further in your chosen career or change paths?

What Can I Offer?

Make a list of the things you’re good at.

  • What are you most proud of?

  • Are you a good listener?

  • Maybe you translate for your friends and family?

  • Do you blog or make videos?

  • Can you cook?

  • Do you make friends really easy?

Anything and everything you can do counts on this list!

What Would I Like To Gain?

  • Are there any skills you’d like to pick up?

  • Something you may need to boost your career prospects?

  • Maybe you want to work on your confidence?

  • Do you want to build on your social media skills or develop your leadership talents?

Still unsure of what sort of placement you fancy? Do-it.org has a dedicated search page where you can search according to your interests. There will most likely be loads of opportunities you didn’t even know existed.

During Your Placement

  • Make the most of it! Get stuck in, don’t be shy. Take initiative and use those skills you’ve got.

  • Be curious. Ask questions, make friends and learn as much as you can.

  • Be reliable. Turn up when you say you will, and do what you’ve pledged. If something pops up and you can’t complete your placement – tell your organiser ASAP.

  • Enjoy yourself! Don’t forget to smile and have a laugh. It should be a rewarding experience.

When It's All Over

Have a little think about your time volunteering. Ask yourself:

Did I enjoy it?

Do I want to do more?

What have I learned/gained? Chat with the organisers about what’s next if you’ve caught the volunteering bug.

Make sure you update your CV, saying what you did and what you learned and the skills you developed during your placement. Really sell yourself – you’ve done a great thing by volunteering, don’t forget that!

Where Next?